Divorce is a thorny subject; we’ll admit that. The end of a relationship is never easy, particularly when emotions are running high. However, if you want to avoid any unnecessary drama and start the next stage of life on a positive note, it pays to have a plan.
Thankfully, the majority of marriages don’t end in divorce. In fact, data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows that the divorce rate in England and Wales declined in 2022. As per the most recent ONS stats, 80,057 divorces were granted in 2022, which is 29.5% lower than in 2021.
Despite the drop, marriages in England, Wales, and elsewhere in the world are still coming to an end for all sorts of reasons. Of the marriages that do end, approximately 20% end up in court [1]. Speaking to the BBC in 2022, Sir Andrew McFarlane, head of family courts in England and Wales, estimated that “one-fifth of marriage break-ups were wrongly ending up in court with one partner suing the other”.
Sometimes, the only way to settle divorce arrangements is through an intermediary such as the courts. However, divorce lawyers almost always advise clients to avoid going to court if they can. Therefore, if you’re in the process of getting divorced or part of a couple considering it, here are three things you can do to help ensure a clear break:
- Arrange a Financial Settlement
One of the biggest hurdles couples face when it comes to divorce is money. From splitting assets to child maintenance payments, there are a lot of financial commitments to make. A divorce settlement can smooth out the process because it puts arrangements into perspective.
By that, we mean that a divorce settlement paints a clear picture of the financial landscape and allows both parties to make fair decisions without too much emotion. This process is helped by the presence of solicitors who not only take an independent view of the situation but also understand the nuances of divorce settlements.
By working through a couple’s assets, including property, money, savings, pensions and investments, solicitors can advise you on a fair split. They’ll then arrange the paperwork and liaise with a counterparty solicitor to get it signed.
- Think About Life as a Single Parent
The second thing to think about before and during a divorce is life as a single parent. You might not be the sole guardian of a child or, indeed, alone for long. However, in most cases, you need to consider the prospect of parenting alone.
As we’ve covered in a previous article [2], there are various things to consider, including money, work-life balance and your own emotional wellbeing. Communication with your child’s father/mother is also important.
Clear boundaries need to be set from the start and, again, solicitors can help. Being a single parent is a team effort. You need to work alongside your ex-partner to ensure your child’s well-being throughout their life.
- Prepare for the Future
The final way to ensure a smooth transition from marriage to single life without dragging a divorce through the court system is to prepare for the future. Specifically, we’re referring to the mindset shift you need to embrace. Don’t see divorce as the end.
Yes, the end of a relationship can be sad. However, as the old cliché goes: “when one door closes, another one opens”. Embrace new opportunities but, equally, accept that your ex-partner also needs to move on. Don’t let envy or jealousy hold either of you back. That’s when situations turn ugly and unnecessarily end up in court.
It might not be easy but accepting that things are over and being happy to move on is the best way to prepare for the future and ensure a smooth divorce.
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